For a full year, Tuesday nights were sacred at Nanas house. We didn’t care what else was happening in the world; we were playing TV Bingo. It was loud, it was competitive, and it was "her." But when the diagnosis came in 2022, the game started to change. Nana, being the selfless woman she was, decided she wanted to go to hospice "so it was easier for everyone." She actually scouted out Mariposa House Hospice months in advance, and she loved it, from the architecture to the people who seemed to radiate kindness.

As my Nana’s health declined and she made the brave choice to stop chemo and prioritize her peace, the move to hospice became a reality. It was a tough transition, but Nana brought her spark with her. We still can't help but laugh at her "undercover" missions, trying to hide her 'cigarettes' from the nurses so she could sneak a smoke in her room. She wasn't just a patient; she was a rebel with a cause, and the staff at Mariposa leaned into the humor with us, making sure we knew it was okay to not be okay.

One afternoon, as we sat by her hospice bed, Nana looked at my mom with total seriousness, as if she were about to reveal a deep family secret she’d been guarding for decades. She leaned in and whispered: "You look like Bob Barker!" As a lifelong Price is Right superfan, that was apparently the highest observation she could make. In that room, amidst the smiles and the delicious meals the staff made for us, we weren't just "managing an illness." We were a family, known by name, being held up by the incredible individuals who work there.

Fifteen months ago, Nana’s journey came to an end. But the beauty of her passing is a memory we will carry forever. The entire staff gathered to honor her, walking her down the hall in a beautiful procession while following behind us. In a moment that could have been only darkness, they provided a light of dignity and respect. They walked with her when we couldn't go any further.

We owe a debt of gratitude to every individual in that building who gave us more than just care; they gave us memories, hugs, and the ability to laugh through the tears. That is why we are the High Rollers, and that is why we are hiking. We want to give back to Mariposa House Hospice so they can continue being the light for the next family.

Please share or donate to our hike today. Help us honor the woman who thought my mom looked like Bob Barker, and help us support the place that made her final days so beautiful.